Written by: Elizabeth Kunene

Durban commuters have been advised to exercise caution as severe weather conditions have been forecast for the Province of KwaZulu-Natal today.

Heavy rainstorms, strong winds and thunderstorms are expected across Durban as the storm, which started on the south coast, moved north and inland this morning. A warning has been sent to residents to stay indoors and stay out of the roads as the storm and rainfalls get heavier.

Meteorologist Aslam Sardiwalla told Highway Mail that the storm may move as far as 50 kilometres inland. He also added that they have received reports of heavy downpour and flooding in some areas, and expect other areas to be affected as the storm moves.

EThekwini Municipality has issued a warning statement for residents to remain in safety until the storm, which is expected to subside around 14:00, subsides.

Speaking to News24, EMS Spokesperson Robert McKenzie said the eThekwini area is most affected by localised flooding, multiple roads are closed and there have been multiple cases of injuries.

KwaZulu-Natal Health Department MEC, Desmond Motha, has issued a report to the media that King Edward VIII Hospital, Addington Hospital, and Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital had all been affected. Speaking to News24 he said, “I can confirm that these three hospitals have been affected. We are still trying to get information and quantify the damage.”

So far only reports from the M4, N2 south and localised flooding in suburban areas have been reported, but the city’s disaster management department has said that their Call Centre was experiencing high call volumes.

“Residents are requested to please only call the Disaster Management Call Centre for emergencies on 031 361 0000”, said the eThekwini Municipality.

*Caption: Some motor vehicles braved the storm despite warnings.